Curious withdrawal symptoms
Posted , 12 users are following.
Hi all!
I'm back to making another concerted effort to go dry. I'm now just over my first 24hrs. Lode-dosing with diazepam and it has so far kept my mind off liquor, and I'm barely shaking or trembling. Yay!
I made it three weeks a couple weeks ago. I wanted to ask you all, who have experienced moderate-to-severe withdrawal symptoms, if you've experienced these strange withdrawal symptoms.
= After about 12-15 hours after my last drink, I find I become clumsy. Trying to get a cigarette out of a pack can be so frustrating I've just ripped packs open to get a darn smoke out. It's like my coordination is wrong, and my limbs don't want to do what I want them to do - I guess I could say it seems to be a screw-up in fine-motor control. Does this happen normally to anyone but me?
= This one I've never heard anyone else, or read anywhere of this happening to people withdrawing from alcohol. About 20+hrs into drying out, my skin 'hurts' everywhere to touch. Gently running my finger across my chest makes it feel sore as if I was bruised (but am not bruised). No skin rashes or anything, just a strange all over my body sore feeling on the skin.
Anyone experience this before?? I've experienced once before when withdrawing, and it seems to resolve in about 72-hours or so. Even my doctor was at a loss. He said it's normal to feel like your 'skin is crawling', but I never had that.
Just curious. Maybe I'm weird ;-) I'm also finding, that, after numerous attempts to go clean over the last two years, I can say that the more often you try and fail, the easier the first few days of withdrawing go. You start learning from previous mistakes that led you to slip, and apply those lessons to your next attempt. The best I've done in the last 2 years since I first started wanting to quit, was going 1.5 months completely clean.
So don't give up if you feel like you've let yourself down when you have a drink after trying to quit, ruining a 'streak'. Don't beat yourself up over it. Collect your motivation-up again, and jump back on the horse. I used to get so depressed letting myself down by drinking after being dry for weeks and weeks, that I'd just drink more. Try not to let it demoralize you too badly.
Thanks all! I hope you are all making some strides in your recoveries! I always welcome anyone who wants to message me to chat!
Warm regards, Steve
2 likes, 85 replies
Robin2015 steverz
Posted
steverz Robin2015
Posted
Thanks so much Robin!
tess33005 steverz
Posted
I thinkk you're doing brilliantly.
When I was taking huge amounts of benzos I could put a DVD of twelve episodes of TENKO on, watch them all, then forget the whole thing.
steverz tess33005
Posted
I can't tell you how much this made me laugh in sympathy, tess
About putting on a marathon of a tv show - and not remember a single thing of it 
I know it's not funny, again, I only laugh because "been there, done that" 
tess33005 steverz
Posted
Sorry to have slightly taken over your discussion, Steverz. I feel most comfortable with the people on this forum.
So basically I've taken all my diazepam and won't be able to get more until Saturday. It's the same as if someone battling with alcohol wants some, but every single shop that sells it has run out.
Getting people off benzos is harder than getting them off heroin. Everyone at the clinic I go to says that, including the doctors.
I hope your weird feelings disappear soon and keep everyone informed about how you're doing. love T
steverz tess33005
Posted
THanks Tess! - And don't worry about chiming in with your stuff, anytime! I feel soooo badly about the wait for your refill. I know exactly how that feels :-O I used to try to get extra clonazepam back in the day, pharmacists knew me and would always phone the doctor before filling my scripts after a while. Nobody would want to be around me when I didn't have my clonazepam.
Sounds like you have some strange stuff goin on!! With people just walking into your home?? GeezeLouize! It's that kinda stress when it comes up in life that never fails to drive an addictive personality over the edge and reaching for their DOC ('drug of choice'
. Am I right? When stress hits, is usually when I ruin a "sober-streak" by drinking.
You're in England? Cool! I grew up with Brits when my family lived over seas when I was young. My best friends and teachers were all British. Will sign off now, just wanted to say thanks again, you're very kind like the others here. And, buy a pitbull, and let him deal with your unwelcome 'guest' that invades your privacy!
All the best from a colonist from across the pond!
-steve
tess33005 steverz
Posted
Thanks, Steve. It's only ONE bloke who keeps coming in the door, not a whole queue of them.
ADEfree tess33005
Posted
Get an HDMI cable and hook your laptop up to the television. When they settle down to start in with the beer, queue up Claudia's TEDx talk. If you have Amazon Prime, you can play One Little Pill too.
tess33005 ADEfree
Posted
You're not going to believe me, Ade, but I've already tried that!!!
ADEfree tess33005
Posted
tess33005 ADEfree
Posted
So that idea was a non-starter.
steverz
Posted
Well, I'm into day-5 now. Peripheral-neuropathic skin pain has dissipated! (phew)
I'm crazy clumsy still, maybe moreso since day 2. I say clumsy, but I think it's more a general sense of being uncoordinated. My feet as I walk feel like they don't fall into a step properly...hard to explain.
Went a little hypo-manic yesterday, think I'm still up there. Been cleaning the house like a mad man, moving furniture around, zipping around everywhere hhaha
Isn't this about the time when a person who has stopped drinking experiences the euphoria of what feels like success?
I'm very tired, despite how much and how productive I've been.
Still getting hot and cold flashes/sweats. Random nausea - which seems to pass
quickly when it happens (but it can really feel like it's gonna happen spontaenously).
The shakes are minmal and mostly only noticeable when I'm trying to do something
requiring fine motor skills with my hands (like pouring coffee, or trying to get a filter out to make coffee).
I've been taking about 6,000mcg of B! (thiamine) and 5,000mcg B12, as well as a "B-Complex 100" tablet, and 1 centrum multi-vitamin.
I am eating lots of fruits and veggies. Lot's of salads. Supplementing still with a nutrition shake (highly recommend this new very advanced nutrition product on the market using some kind of new science..msg me if you want a link, I don't sell it or work for them, but I love it) - called Soylent 2.0 -- it is loaded in folates, B vitamins, all sorts of nutrients and minerals we drinkers are almost always lacking.
I'm hating watching movies and tv shows seeing people pouring drinks and the sound of the ice-cubes hitting the glass :-O Until I tried to stop drinking, I never realized just how much drinking goes on in tv and movie scripts lol
Recycling day Tuesday. Gotta get rid of any bottles hiding anywhere so I don't see them and cause a trigger.
Thanks for letting me blab
I kinda hope that if anyone else is going down this recovery path, and still new at it or has not tried before, reads my postings about my attempts and maybe learns that they aren't alone at all when it comes to recovery and alcoholism. We hear on this forum are just courageous to reach out and share with each other. I love this place.
Please pardon any run-on here. The diazepam as many of you here know, jumbles you up a little bit.
Here's to hoping everyone else is doing well in their own journeys!
(raises a glass of green tea to you all)
-steve
Sober_As steverz
Posted
I have been on a bit of a rollercoaster.....never mind..... I feel able to get back on track, now.
All power to your will.
Blessings from Alonangel.
ADEfree steverz
Posted
Glad to hear you're coming along, Steverz! Steady as she goes...
tess33005 Sober_As
Posted
I KNEW you'd get up when you ran out of square sausage and malt loaf.
Glad to see you back.
REALLY glad to see you back.
STEVE - I'm excited to see your post, too. Could you come to my place and do some chores?
steverz tess33005
Posted
steverz Sober_As
Posted
Heya Alonangel!
Was just curious if you've "got back on track"? Things goin' ok?
Hope all is well and thanks for the msg!
Sober_As steverz
Posted
Yip Steverz. I am doing battle again... just about to try "Alcohol-Free" !
I am sick of drinking.
Alonangel??
Sober_As steverz
Posted
I have Diazepam to help me cope.
There are people praying for me, too. God bless them.
I really want to GIVE UP BOOZE !
Alonangel🎇
ADEfree Sober_As
Posted
vickylou Sober_As
Posted
Angel, my middle of the night friend who like me doesn't sleep. Good to hear from you. It's not that long ago since you had over 14 af days, so you can do it. I'm back on campral again after a blip a month ago and have no cravings. It worked for me last time and is doing the same now.
Have you by any chance heard from Misssy, she seems to have gone off track.
take care xx
Sober_As vickylou
Posted
I need to catch up on lots of notifications.
I am glad you are having success, with Campral to help you.
The best of luck... keep going !!!
All power to your will,
Angel XX
vickylou Sober_As
Posted
Hi angel
how are you doing? I did hear from Misssy yesterday and she wasn't too good.
are you still on naltrexone? You don't sound like your normal chirpy self, so hope you're ok.
I just started a new topic about the time we start drinking.
Are you still not sleeping well X
Sober_As vickylou
Posted
I am back taking Selincro/Nalmefene... I had got fed up with it as well.
I need a Miracle !
I don't think I will take it now, as I want to go Alcohol-Free. I feel that I can do it because I am so sickened of alcohol and the hold it has on me.
Well, I can but try.
Sleep, schmeep ! I am sooooo tired !
Angel XX ??
steverz Sober_As
Posted
Excited for you Alonangel!
I slipped yesterday with one 1.5oz shot of brandy. I don't think I feel too badly about it tho. I think the Revia/Naltrexone prevented me from sliding right down the hole. I wanted more, but managed to summon up the willpower to not make a trip to the liquor store.
You got this. You'll make it through today! I have faith in you!! In all of us! I'll be thinking of you, sending good thoughts your way. I'll go entirely alk-free today too with you! I will take 20mg of diazepam at about 7am this morning, and another 20mg in the mid afternoon.
I don't want to encourage anyone else by mentioning another 'crutch' of mine... but I have a prescription and federal exemption to be able to use medical marijuana. I use a vapourizer, so I'm not sucking up smoke, just the vapour. It seems to distract me when my liquor cravings kick-in. My doctor is actually entirely supportive of this and says "it's all about harm reduction".
Anyway, I'm sorry I often babble on forever
Good luck today! Let's conquer today at the same time! 
tess33005 Sober_As
Posted
Love Tess xxxxxxxx
tess33005 steverz
Posted
Awwwwwwwwwwwwww Steve - we are all rooting for each other and helping to pick up the pieces when one of us makes a mistake - which is often, due to the nature of addiction.
We're a good bunch here.
Love to you and anyone else struggling. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
gwen45436 vickylou
Posted
Hi vicky - how do I get on your new thread about the time we start. Do I go on to Alcohol abuse and find it there so I can read and follow. I am not too clever on all this stuff.
I have terrible sleeping probs for years.
When I told my doc about my drink problem she referred me to Smart recovery (which I have not been) and I said I was really stressed about coming off too quickly which she agreed. Then I said about my sleeping which has been going on abot 30 years (1-2 hour a night without enough booze) so she said I will prescribe you a sleeping pill - you need to sleep.
Well she did and when I googled - of course you can't even have one drink - so what was the point in that. Yeah fall asleep and not wake up again coz I have a seizure in my sleep. Dumb or what.
Enjoying all the reading as I am still a newbie.
Was hoping to hear back from Misssy - I have sent some angelic healing her way.
G.
gwen45436 tess33005
Posted
G x
vickylou gwen45436
Posted
What's the name of the sleeping tablets you've just got?
gwen45436 vickylou
Posted
vicky - I am away at the moment for a week so don't know. I still have them at home so when I get back - I will post the name.
G.
Sober_As steverz
Posted
Hi Steverz, I slipped up on Day One... I got some bad news about a friend and just "lost the plot".
I'm ok since. I am going on holiday , so won't be in touch.
I am taking a stack of Diazepam with me. My "Hawkeye Hubby" will be there 24/7... I think he also has Radar, where Alcohol is concerned.
The very Best of Luck to you.
Stay strong and conquer.
Blessings from Alonangel. ??
vickylou Sober_As
Posted
Oh poor you! I know what that's like. Try and relax and enjoy your holiday xx
steverz Sober_As
Posted
I slipped up too Alonangel. Not badly. Trying not to punish myself too badly. Was not a 'drunk' slip. But had a few shots more than I thought I could control.
The struggle continues! I'm glad to hear you're off on vacation. Change of scenery and routine has helped me cut back or even stop entirely, before.
I refuse to give up. I see my doctor this week. Not sure he's convinced I'm doing as well as I think and hope I'm doing. From the perspective of a non-drinker, even having a couple 1.5oz shots is so frowned upon as being failure.
Anyway. Soak up as much serenity as you can handle on vacay!!! Thinkin' about you and hoping for the best!!
A friend from canada
steve
tess33005 steverz
Posted
Duh. Don't mention slipping up to me at the moment.
Still struggling to get back to normal tapering after my xanax-fest.
Jim also struggling - got well drunk and went to the bookies into the bargain yesterday. I did my best to keep my head and not confront him but lost the plot when he woke me just after I'd fallen asleep to tell me there was someone knocking at the door.
AAAAAAAAGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
Told him to answer it. Got a volley of abuse back. Apparently it was MY fault someone was knocking at the door, though since we didn't know who oit was, I am at a loss to understand HOW it was my fault............anyway, moaning and cursing, he got his dressing gown and opened the door, where he beheld our sweet 20 year old neighbour, who asked for her washing back. I had offered to tumble dry it earlier in the day but neglected to return it to her.
OH MY DAYS after he gave the girl her dry washing we have the mother of all rows, which ended with him getting dressed and vowing never to return.
He headed in the direction of the off licence and is probably now having a whisky-fest on somebody's sofa.
I am DONE with addiction and the way it spoils things so much.
Now what?
(Am not expecting any answers with which Jim will agree, needless to say, folks. Just cheer ME up, please!)
Tess of the McDonalds.
vickylou tess33005
Posted
Awh Tess, I'm so sorry to hear about jim's latest escapade. You were both quite upbeat, or more positive the other day.
Am afraid I can't think of anything to suggest you do. How do you think he would react if you said to him that he's on his final warning, one more strike and you're packing your bags? Or would that be an excuse for another binge?
Does he have money with him? At one stage years ago I'd go clubbing with friends and wouldn't come home till I ran out of money, usually early evening the following day.
Drinkers tend to stick together, well the group I was with did. There would always be someone in the group happy to put someone up. Apparently it's called sofa-surfing!! Likewise not everyone would be penniless at the same time, so again alcohol always available. I don't suppose he's got a mobile with him, or if he has it would have needed re-charging, my favourite was I tried to phone you, but couldn't get a signal!!
let us know the outcome Tess, just remember you've done nothing wrong xx
gwen45436 tess33005
Posted
Oh Tess, what a day - phew. You are so right in that addiction spoils things so much. I don't understand why I let it - lunches cancelled with friends is typical coz I don't want to drive in case it is still in me from the night before. I have had many an argument with my hubs and he always says that I start it. I am a different person sober. I hope today is better for you and that you are speaking, all you need now is the nuisance friend walking through your door - then you will really blow - I know I would.
At least you can put your words and frustration on here to share.
Chin up ducks
x
gwen45436 Sober_As
Posted
Enjoy your holiday and chill.d
G.
gwen45436
Posted
G.